Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method comprising: providing a server in selective communication with an archive storage controller (ASC) via a computer network, the ASC having access to a plurality of removable storage mediums (RSMs); storing data in the server; creating a logical storage container in the ASC that has a logical relationship to the data stored in the server; after the creating step, transferring the data from the server to the logical storage container; after the creating step, selecting at least one of the RSMs without communication between the server and the ASC via the computer network; and after the selecting step, dedicating the selected at least one RSM to only data from the logical storage container.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising transferring the data from the logical storage container to the at least one selected RSM, storing the transferred data from the logical storage container to the at least one selected RSM, the at least one selected RSM does not contain the data from the logical storage container and the other data that is not from the logical storage container.
This invention relates to data storage systems, specifically methods for managing data in a distributed storage environment. The problem addressed is the efficient and secure transfer of data between logical storage containers and redundant storage modules (RSMs) while ensuring data integrity and minimizing redundancy. The method involves selecting at least one RSM from a plurality of RSMs to receive data from a logical storage container. The selected RSM must not already contain the data from the logical storage container, nor should it contain other unrelated data. Once the RSM is selected, the data is transferred from the logical storage container to the selected RSM and then stored in the RSM. This ensures that the data is stored in a dedicated, isolated manner, preventing contamination or interference from unrelated data. The method also includes verifying that the selected RSM does not contain the data from the logical storage container before the transfer, ensuring that the data is stored in a clean, uncorrupted state. This approach improves data management by reducing redundancy and maintaining data integrity across distributed storage systems. The invention is particularly useful in environments where data isolation and efficient storage allocation are critical, such as cloud storage, enterprise data centers, or distributed file systems.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the server creates the logical storage container in the ASC via a hypertext transfer protocol command.
This invention relates to data storage systems, specifically methods for creating logical storage containers in an abstract storage container (ASC) using a standardized communication protocol. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and standardized ways to manage storage resources in distributed or cloud-based environments, where storage containers must be dynamically created and accessed. The method involves a server generating a logical storage container within an ASC. The ASC acts as an intermediary layer that abstracts underlying physical storage resources, allowing for flexible and scalable storage management. The logical storage container is created using a hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) command, such as a POST or PUT request, which enables remote and programmatic control over storage operations. This approach simplifies integration with web-based applications and services, as HTTP is a widely supported and familiar protocol for communication. The method may also include additional steps, such as authenticating the server before creating the container, validating the container's parameters, and confirming the container's creation. The use of HTTP commands ensures compatibility with existing web infrastructure, reducing the need for proprietary or complex protocols. This solution is particularly useful in cloud storage systems, where dynamic provisioning of storage resources is essential for scalability and efficiency.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein the server enforces predefined backup policy rules.
A system and method for managing data backups in a distributed computing environment addresses the challenge of ensuring reliable and policy-compliant data protection across multiple storage locations. The invention involves a server that monitors and controls backup operations to maintain data integrity and availability. The server enforces predefined backup policy rules, which may include scheduling parameters, retention periods, encryption requirements, and access controls. These rules ensure that backups are performed consistently and in accordance with organizational or regulatory standards. The server may also validate backup operations to confirm that they comply with the specified policies, providing alerts or corrective actions if deviations are detected. By centralizing policy enforcement, the system reduces the risk of data loss or unauthorized access while simplifying administrative oversight. The method supports automated and manual backup processes, allowing for flexibility in deployment while maintaining strict adherence to predefined policies. This approach is particularly useful in environments where data protection requirements are stringent, such as financial institutions, healthcare providers, or enterprises handling sensitive information. The invention improves backup reliability, reduces administrative burden, and ensures compliance with legal and operational standards.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein the backup policy rules obtain a snapshot copy of the data in the server at a predetermined point in time (PIT).
This invention relates to data backup systems, specifically methods for managing backup policies to ensure data integrity and availability. The problem addressed is the need for reliable, point-in-time (PIT) data recovery in server environments, where data loss or corruption can occur due to hardware failures, software errors, or malicious attacks. Traditional backup methods often fail to capture a consistent state of data at a specific moment, leading to incomplete or corrupted backups. The invention describes a method for obtaining a snapshot copy of data stored on a server at a predetermined point in time (PIT). This snapshot is generated based on predefined backup policy rules, which dictate when and how the backup should be performed. The rules ensure that the snapshot accurately reflects the server's data state at the exact PIT, minimizing data loss and ensuring consistency. The method may also include additional steps such as validating the snapshot, compressing the data, and storing it in a secure location for later recovery. By enforcing strict PIT snapshots, the system provides a reliable mechanism for restoring data to a known good state, improving disaster recovery capabilities and reducing downtime. The approach is particularly useful in enterprise environments where data integrity and availability are critical.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein the policy rules obtain an incremental update of the data in the server at a different predetermined PIT.
This invention relates to data management systems that handle incremental updates of data stored in a server at different predetermined points in time (PIT). The problem addressed is efficiently retrieving and applying incremental updates to data stored in a server, particularly when multiple updates occur at different PITs. The system includes a server storing data and a client device configured to request and process incremental updates. The client device sends a request to the server for an incremental update of the data, specifying a desired PIT. The server processes the request by identifying the data changes that occurred between the specified PIT and a reference PIT, then transmits the incremental update to the client device. The client device applies the received update to its local data. The policy rules govern how these incremental updates are obtained, ensuring that updates are fetched at the correct PITs based on predefined criteria. This method allows for efficient synchronization of data between the server and client, reducing bandwidth usage and processing overhead by only transferring necessary changes. The system is particularly useful in distributed databases, cloud storage, and real-time data synchronization applications where maintaining consistency across multiple devices is critical.
7. The method of claim 6 wherein the server transfers the snapshot copy and the incremental update to the logical storage container.
A system and method for managing data storage involves transferring data between a server and a logical storage container. The technology addresses the challenge of efficiently updating stored data by minimizing redundant transfers. The method includes creating a snapshot copy of data stored on a server, generating an incremental update that captures changes made to the data after the snapshot was taken, and transferring both the snapshot copy and the incremental update to a logical storage container. The logical storage container may be a virtual storage volume or a distributed storage system. The incremental update is derived from comparing the current state of the data with the snapshot, identifying only the modified portions. This approach reduces the amount of data transferred compared to sending the entire dataset, improving efficiency and reducing network and storage resource usage. The method ensures data consistency by maintaining a complete copy of the data at the destination while only transmitting the necessary updates. This technique is particularly useful in distributed systems, cloud storage, and backup solutions where minimizing data transfer is critical for performance and cost optimization.
8. The method of claim 7 wherein the policy rules delete the logical storage container in the ASC.
A system and method for managing logical storage containers in an abstracted storage cluster (ASC) addresses the challenge of efficiently organizing and removing data storage structures in distributed storage environments. The invention provides a mechanism to enforce policy rules that automatically delete logical storage containers within the ASC when specific conditions are met. These policy rules are defined based on criteria such as container age, usage patterns, or administrative directives, ensuring that storage resources are dynamically optimized. The method involves monitoring the ASC to detect when a logical storage container meets the predefined deletion criteria, then executing the deletion process to remove the container while maintaining data integrity and system performance. This approach prevents unnecessary storage consumption and simplifies administrative overhead by automating the cleanup of obsolete or underutilized containers. The system may also include additional features such as logging deletion events, notifying administrators, or archiving container data before removal, depending on the configured policies. By integrating these policy-driven deletion rules, the invention enhances storage efficiency and reduces manual intervention in managing distributed storage resources.
9. The method of claim 8 wherein the deleting step returns the dedicated RSM to the scratch pool.
A system and method for managing memory resources in a computing environment, particularly for handling dedicated memory regions used by applications. The problem addressed is inefficient memory allocation and deallocation, leading to fragmentation and wasted resources. The invention provides a solution by dynamically managing memory regions, including dedicated regions (RSMs) and a shared scratch pool. When an application no longer requires a dedicated RSM, the system automatically deletes the RSM and returns it to the scratch pool for reuse. This ensures optimal memory utilization by reclaiming unused dedicated regions and making them available for other applications or processes. The method includes monitoring memory usage, identifying unused dedicated regions, and performing deletion and reallocation operations to maintain system efficiency. The invention improves performance by reducing memory overhead and preventing fragmentation, particularly in environments with frequent memory allocation and deallocation cycles. The system may also include mechanisms for tracking memory usage and prioritizing memory regions for deletion based on usage patterns. The overall approach enhances memory management efficiency in computing systems.
10. An apparatus comprising: a network-attached storage (NAS) device having a backup module that includes first computer instructions stored in a first computer memory and configured to be executed by a first computer processor to create at least one backup of data stored in the NAS device; and an archive storage controller (ASC) device in communication with the NAS device via a network, the ASC device having a selection module that includes second computer instructions stored in a second computer memory and configured to be executed by a second computer processor, the ASC possessing a logical container that retains the backups, independently of the NAS device, the ASC configured to select at least one removable storage medium (RSM), the at least one RSM is configured to retain only data from the logical container.
This invention relates to a data backup and archival system designed to enhance data protection and storage management in network-attached storage (NAS) environments. The system addresses the challenge of ensuring data redundancy and long-term retention while optimizing storage efficiency. The apparatus includes a NAS device equipped with a backup module that generates backups of stored data. These backups are managed by an archive storage controller (ASC) device, which communicates with the NAS over a network. The ASC contains a selection module that organizes backups into a logical container, ensuring they are preserved independently of the NAS. The ASC is further configured to select removable storage media (RSM) for archival purposes, where the RSM exclusively stores data from the logical container. This approach decouples backup management from the NAS, improving reliability and enabling flexible, scalable archival solutions. The system ensures data integrity by maintaining backups separately from the primary storage, while the RSM selection process allows for efficient, targeted data retention on removable media. This design is particularly useful for organizations requiring robust backup and archival strategies with minimal dependency on the original storage infrastructure.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 comprising a plurality of RSMs from which the ASC is configured to select the at least one selected RSM.
This invention relates to a system for managing and selecting resource scheduling modules (RSMs) in a computing environment. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently allocating and managing computational resources in dynamic environments where multiple tasks compete for limited resources. The apparatus includes a resource scheduling manager (RSM) that assigns resources to tasks based on predefined criteria, such as priority, workload, or resource availability. The system further includes an adaptive selection controller (ASC) that dynamically selects at least one RSM from a plurality of available RSMs to optimize resource allocation. The ASC evaluates the performance and suitability of each RSM in real-time, ensuring that the most effective RSM is chosen for current conditions. The system may also include a monitoring module that tracks resource usage, task completion rates, and system performance metrics to provide feedback to the ASC. This feedback loop allows the ASC to adapt its selection criteria and improve resource allocation over time. The invention aims to enhance system efficiency, reduce resource contention, and improve overall task processing performance in complex computing environments.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the plurality of RSMs includes a scratch pool from which the ASC is configured to select the at least one selected RSM, wherein at least one of the RSMs not in the scratch pool contains a full volume data copy for the NAS device in accordance with a backup policy residing in the NAS device.
This invention relates to data storage systems, specifically apparatuses for managing redundant storage modules (RSMs) in a network-attached storage (NAS) device. The problem addressed is efficient data backup and recovery in NAS systems, where maintaining multiple copies of data across RSMs is critical for reliability and performance. The apparatus includes a plurality of RSMs, where at least one RSM contains a full volume data copy of the NAS device according to a predefined backup policy. A scratch pool is also included, consisting of one or more RSMs from which an adaptive storage controller (ASC) selects at least one RSM for data operations. The ASC dynamically allocates RSMs from the scratch pool for tasks such as temporary storage, caching, or recovery operations, while ensuring that at least one RSM outside the scratch pool retains a complete backup of the NAS device. This design allows for flexible resource utilization while maintaining data redundancy and compliance with backup policies. The system optimizes storage efficiency by reallocating RSMs as needed, reducing the risk of data loss during failures or maintenance.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the scratch pool contains an RSM that was formerly assigned to a logical container, but the RSM was returned to the scratch pool when the corresponding logical container was deleted.
This invention relates to a data storage system that manages a scratch pool of redundant storage modules (RSMs) for efficient resource allocation. The problem addressed is the need to reclaim and reuse storage modules that were previously assigned to logical containers (e.g., virtual volumes or logical units) but are no longer in use after the container is deleted. The system includes a scratch pool that holds these reclaimed RSMs, allowing them to be reassigned to new logical containers as needed. The apparatus ensures that RSMs returned to the scratch pool are properly tracked and validated before reuse, preventing data corruption or conflicts. The scratch pool may include RSMs that were previously part of a logical container but were freed when that container was deleted, making them available for future assignments. This approach optimizes storage utilization by reusing freed resources rather than allocating new ones, improving efficiency in large-scale storage systems. The system may also include mechanisms to verify the integrity of reclaimed RSMs before reallocation.
14. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein each RSM comprises an individual tape cartridge storage device.
The invention relates to a system for managing and storing data using removable storage media (RSM) in a distributed computing environment. The problem addressed is the need for efficient, scalable, and reliable data storage and retrieval in systems where data is distributed across multiple locations or devices. The apparatus includes a plurality of RSMs, each configured to store data and communicate with a central controller. The central controller manages the distribution, retrieval, and organization of data across the RSMs to ensure data integrity, availability, and efficient access. Each RSM is designed to be individually removable and portable, allowing for flexible storage solutions. In one embodiment, each RSM comprises an individual tape cartridge storage device, which provides high-capacity, long-term data storage with low power consumption. The system may also include mechanisms for error detection, redundancy, and data recovery to enhance reliability. The apparatus is particularly useful in environments requiring large-scale data storage, such as data centers, cloud computing, or distributed databases, where data must be stored securely and accessed efficiently across multiple locations. The invention improves upon existing storage solutions by integrating removable storage media with centralized control, ensuring scalability and adaptability to varying storage demands.
15. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the NAS device comprises a link module configured to transfer the backups to the ASC via predefined hypertext transfer protocol commands.
A network-attached storage (NAS) device is used to manage and store data backups. The NAS device includes a link module that transfers these backups to an automated storage controller (ASC) using predefined hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) commands. The link module facilitates communication between the NAS device and the ASC, ensuring that backup data is securely and efficiently transmitted. The predefined HTTP commands standardize the transfer process, allowing the NAS device to interact with the ASC in a structured and predictable manner. This setup improves data management by automating backup transfers and reducing the need for manual intervention. The NAS device may also include additional features, such as data compression, encryption, or scheduling, to enhance backup reliability and security. The ASC, in turn, processes the received backups, ensuring they are stored correctly and remain accessible for recovery when needed. This system is particularly useful in environments where automated, secure, and efficient data backup and retrieval are critical.
16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the backups comprise a snapshot copy of the data stored in the NAS at a predetermined point in time (PIT), and wherein the logical container comprises a copy of the snapshot copy.
This invention relates to data backup and recovery systems for network-attached storage (NAS) environments. The problem addressed is ensuring efficient and reliable data protection by maintaining consistent, point-in-time (PIT) backups that can be quickly restored. The system includes a backup apparatus that creates snapshot copies of data stored in the NAS at predefined points in time. These snapshots are stored as backups, preserving the state of the data at those specific moments. The apparatus also generates logical containers, which are copies of the snapshot backups. These containers allow for selective restoration of data without affecting the original backups, improving flexibility and reducing recovery time. The use of snapshot-based backups ensures minimal disruption to ongoing operations while maintaining data integrity. The logical containers enable granular recovery, allowing users to restore specific files or directories from the snapshot copies without restoring the entire dataset. This approach enhances data availability and simplifies disaster recovery processes in NAS environments. The system is designed to work with existing NAS infrastructure, providing a scalable and automated solution for data protection.
17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the backups comprise an incremental update of the data stored in the NAS at a second PIT, and wherein the logical container comprises a subdirectory containing the incremental update.
This invention relates to data backup systems for network-attached storage (NAS) devices. The problem addressed is efficiently managing incremental backups of NAS data to ensure data integrity and quick recovery while minimizing storage overhead. The system captures incremental updates of NAS data at a specific point in time (PIT) and stores them in a logical container, which is a subdirectory containing the incremental update. This allows for selective restoration of data from different PITs without requiring full backups each time. The logical container organizes the incremental updates in a structured manner, enabling efficient retrieval and reconstruction of the NAS data. The system ensures that only changed data is backed up, reducing storage requirements and improving backup performance. The incremental updates are stored in a way that maintains consistency with the original NAS data, allowing for accurate restoration. This approach is particularly useful in environments where frequent backups are necessary but storage space is limited. The invention improves upon traditional backup methods by providing a more granular and efficient way to manage NAS data backups.
18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the logical container is a first logical container and the snapshot copy is a first snapshot copy, and wherein the ASC contains a second logical container having a root volume containing a second snapshot copy obtained at a different PIT than the first snapshot copy.
This invention relates to data storage systems, specifically managing logical containers and snapshot copies within an Active Storage Container (ASC). The problem addressed is efficiently organizing and accessing multiple point-in-time (PIT) snapshots of data within a storage system to enable recovery, analysis, or comparison of data states at different times. The apparatus includes an ASC that stores at least two logical containers, each containing a root volume with a snapshot copy of data taken at different PITs. The first logical container holds a first snapshot copy captured at one PIT, while the second logical container holds a second snapshot copy captured at a distinct PIT. This structure allows users to access and compare data states from different moments in time, facilitating tasks such as data recovery, forensic analysis, or compliance auditing. The system ensures that each snapshot is isolated within its own logical container, preventing unintended modifications while maintaining the integrity of historical data states. The apparatus may also include mechanisms to manage, retrieve, or restore these snapshots as needed, providing flexibility in handling time-sensitive data operations.
19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the first logical container contains a plurality of subdirectories, each containing an incremental update obtained at different PITs between the first snapshot copy and the second snapshot copy.
The invention relates to data storage systems, specifically a method for managing and accessing incremental updates between snapshot copies of data. The problem addressed is efficiently storing and retrieving incremental changes to data over time while minimizing storage overhead and improving access speed. The apparatus includes a storage system that creates snapshot copies of data at different points in time (PITs). A first logical container holds a base snapshot copy of the data, while a second logical container holds a subsequent snapshot copy. The first logical container further contains multiple subdirectories, each storing an incremental update representing changes to the data between the first and second snapshot copies. Each subdirectory corresponds to a different PIT, allowing for granular access to specific updates. The system enables efficient storage by capturing only the differences between snapshots rather than full copies. Users can reconstruct the data state at any PIT by combining the base snapshot with the relevant incremental updates. This approach reduces storage requirements and speeds up recovery operations. The apparatus may also include metadata tracking the PITs and relationships between updates, ensuring accurate reconstruction. The invention is useful in backup systems, version control, and disaster recovery solutions where maintaining historical data states is critical.
20. An archive system comprising: a frame; a shelf system extending from the frame and sized to support a plurality of magazines; a plurality of tape cartridges each removably supported in one of the plurality of magazines; a plurality of tape drives each configured to engage one of the tape cartridges in a data transfer relationship; a transport system configured to selectively move the tape cartridges between the shelf system and the plurality of tape drives; and an archive storage controller (ASC) having a logical container, and the ASC having a selection module that includes computer instructions stored in computer memory, the computer instructions configured to be executed by a computer processor to define a plurality of the tape cartridges that are unused, the computer instructions further configured to dedicate at least one of the unused tape cartridges to retain only data from the logical container, the computer instructions are configured to be executed without communication between an external server and the ASC.
The archive system is designed for automated data storage and retrieval using tape cartridges. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently managing large-scale data archives by providing a self-contained, automated solution that minimizes reliance on external servers. The system includes a frame supporting a shelf system that holds multiple magazines, each capable of storing multiple tape cartridges. A transport system moves the cartridges between the shelves and a set of tape drives, which read and write data. An archive storage controller (ASC) manages the system, including a logical container for organizing data. The ASC's selection module identifies unused tape cartridges and dedicates at least one to store only data from the logical container. This operation is performed independently, without requiring communication with an external server, ensuring data integrity and reducing dependency on external systems. The system optimizes storage by dynamically allocating cartridges based on usage, improving efficiency and reliability in large-scale data archiving.
Unknown
February 25, 2020
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